PNB kicks off new season with Director’s Choice

One thing I like about wandering through video stores is looking at the employee favorite shelves. It is like getting a sneak peek into their psyche. I feel like the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s (PNB) Director’s Choice is the same thing. Four different pieces give a brief glimpse into the workings of Artistic Director Peter Boal.

For the first piece of the night on Saturday Sept. 25, I have to give some tough love. It started off with some bobbles and the timing was a little off. Since this is the third time I have seen Petite Mort, I knew what to expect, and this time it wasn’t as strong. Fortunately, they figured it out after the first few minutes, but it felt like the first week of school after the kids have been off for the summer. Technically, each man at the start was good, as a group, the timing was off.

While it may seem a little rough, I give the piece an A-, but I expect A+ work out of PNB. That is what you get for excelling; I expect the same level of perfection each time. Since those that can do, and those that can’t critique, I have to say they did a good job. Choreographer by Jiri Kylian, the foils added a new element that was interesting.

Kylian also choreographed the second piece, Sechs Tänze (Six Dances). It was well executed, light and fun. To me it was like looking at a painting of Dogs Playing Poker done by Van Gogh. The subject matter may be silly, but you can’t deny that it was masterfully done. Six Dances was that. There was a lot of humor mixed in and not a traditional ballet performance. While people laughed, no one could deny that the silliness was executed perfectly. Hopefully they had as much fun dancing as we had watching.

The very earthy and natural feeling Jardί Tancat was next. I have to admit, I was not a fan. While well danced, it falls under the category of not my cup of tea. I recognize the skill involved and the dancers were able to convey some strong feelings, but I didn’t connect with it. That is where the subjective nature of dance comes in. The same performance that sucks some people in, will have little effect on others.

With a simple set, it did convey a Mediterranean feel that was raw and edgy. It just didn’t reach out and grab me in my seat. I will say that a friend said it was their favorite performance of the night. Boal saved the best for last because the last piece of the night got my attention.

Choreographed by Jerome Robbins, Glass Pieces, has a number moving parts that are as fragile as the name implies. I enjoy simplicity sometimes. A simple set, a couple of dancers and some good music. That does not take away from my appreciation of what PNB is capable of when it pulls out all the stops. When they go all out, it is awesome.

Having over 40 dancers move across the stage and appear chaotic takes a lot of skill. In Glass Pieces, PNB really showed how big an impact lighting has on a performance. Also, how subtle changes in light will change the mood. If done right, audience members won’t notice the lighting changes. PNB knows how to do it right.

Ultimately, it was a fun night. If given the choice, I would have picked different pieces to showcase. But it is called Director’s Choice, not critic’s choice so unless I want to apply for his job, Boal gets to make the calls. Like the movie favorites shelf at the rental place, which pieces Boal selects does give a peek inside his mind. If you want to take a look go to McCaw Hall and see for yourself.

Director’s Choice runs through Oct. 3. Use the code “dressdc” for a discount at the box office or online. Up next for PNB, All Tharp.